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SPORTS NETWORK

Jul 29, 2011

, Last Updated: 3:23 PM ET

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell said Friday that he anticipates Peyton Manning's return, although there is no timetable for when the star quarterback will start training camp.

"Whenever he is ready he is ready," Caldwell said.

The Colts put their franchise tag Manning before the NFL lockout, wrapping him up for one season while the sides hammer out a long-term deal that will likely make Manning the highest-paid player in the league.

But the quarterback is also recovering from surgery to correct a disk-related issue in his neck on May 23. The recovery time was initially reported to be about 6-8 weeks and the Colts on Friday said the recovery continues to progress.

"I have not (evaluated Manning) but our medical staff has had the opportunity to look at him. In regards to him, he is obviously not ready yet," said Caldwell. "But there is nobody who works harder and nobody who is more diligent and dedicated. He certainly has great faith in our staff that works with him here. At some point in time he will be ready to go and we will let him loose."

Manning, who has never missed a game in 13 NFL seasons, also had surgery in March 2010 to relieve pain in his neck caused by a pinched nerve and did not miss camp. However, he was unable to meet with team medical personnel this spring and summer because of the lockout.

"He works harder than anyone else on the planet and will get himself ready faster than most people," Caldwell said. "He will work at it."

Other updates of note from the Colts surround last year's depleted receiving corps.

Tight end Dallas Clark went on injured reserve last October 25 because of a wrist injury and will participate fully in camp with aid of a splint during practices.

Receiver Austin Collie has been cleared following a concussion that sent him to IR in late December, while Anthony Gonzalez has also been cleared to work out fully after his season ended in early November with a knee injury.